Following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday night, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his deep sorrow in a letter to Singh’s widow, Gursharan Kaur, on Friday.
“I will remember him in my prayers,” the Dalai Lama wrote, offering heartfelt condolences to Gursharan Kaur and the family.
Reflecting on his personal connection with the former PM, he added, “Whenever we met over the years, I deeply appreciated his concern and good counsel. I felt he was like an elder brother to me.”
The Dalai Lama also acknowledged Manmohan Singh’s lasting contributions to India, saying, “Your husband was motivated by a strong wish to help others. He made a significant contribution to India’s development and prosperity, especially in terms of economic growth, improving the lives of the Indian people. He was also a good friend to the Tibetan people.”
In closing, the Dalai Lama wrote, “We can rejoice that for 92 years, he lived a truly meaningful life—an inspiration to us all.”
The state funeral for Dr. Manmohan Singh is scheduled for Saturday, with his body to be placed for public homage at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office in Delhi.
The cremation will take place near Rajghat in the afternoon, where the last rites of Indian Prime Ministers are traditionally performed.
Dr. Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related health complications.
He lost consciousness at home and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared deceased.
On Friday, senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge led tributes at Manmohan Singh’s residence in Delhi.
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi placed a wreath on his Tricolour-draped mortal remains and offered prayers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other prominent political leaders also visited Dr. Singh’s residence to pay their respects.
(With input from IANS)